It has been found that the South Korean government still classifies "blockchain-based virtual asset trading and brokerage" as an industry excluded from being recognized as a corporate-affiliated research institute. Pointing out that the need for research and development (R&D) in virtual asset-related industries is growing, critics note that the relevant institutional reorganization remains delayed.

According to data submitted by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) to Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Jung-a on the 23rd, the ministry manages virtual asset trading and brokerage under the same category as speculative and adult entertainment businesses, such as the management and operation of speculative facilities, thus excluding them from corporate-affiliated research institute eligibility.

The MSIT has previously acknowledged that the virtual asset industry is a cutting-edge sector combining finance and information technology that requires R&D, and has pursued institutional improvements. Last March, the ministry stated that it would complete a revision of the enforcement decree to include "blockchain-based virtual asset trading and brokerage" as an eligible industry for corporate research institutes by the first half of the year, but the revision has not been finalized. Currently, the ministry's stance is to push for the revision within the year.

Meanwhile, the United States is moving to materialize tax systems related to digital assets. On the 16th (local time), the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee approved the "Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act" and advanced it to the full House. The bill includes provisions to exclude virtual asset network and transaction fees of 10 dollars or less meeting certain requirements from capital gains and losses calculations, and to overhaul tax standards for stablecoins, mining, and staking rewards. Legislative procedures, including approval by the House and Senate and the president's signature, still remain.

Lawmaker Hwang stated, "While the U.S. is reorganizing its system—even easing the tax burden on small-scale transaction fees—under the premise of practical use of virtual assets, South Korea still slaps anachronistic labels of 'entertainment and speculation' on virtual assets, restricting even the R&D activities of corporate research institutes."

She added, "Since the lifeblood of industrial policy is speed, the enforcement decree revision must be swiftly finalized so that outdated regulations no longer hinder the growth of new industries and technological ecosystems."

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